Canzano blog: Damian Lillard and Terrence Ross to Trail Blazers... how does that strike you?

How do you like Weber State G Damian Lillard as the No. 6 pick in the NBA Draft?

The more I think about Portland's No. 11 pick in Thursday's NBA Draft the more I'm convinced that there won't be a better player available there than Washington G Terrence Ross.

I'm not a big fan of Austin Rivers (Duke, G). And I broke down the Ross vs. Rivers comparison with Seattle Times columnist Jerry Brewer on Wednesday on the Bald Faced Truth Radio show (3-6p on 750-am).

Ross is three inches taller than Rivers... has a better shot... is more consistent... is a better athlete... and is more unselfish. How is this even a debate? I like his size. I love that he's unselfish and hard working. I think he has huge upside and at No. 11 I'm not looking to play it safe (See: Zeller, Tyler).

There's been a lot of talk about Portland possibly being interested in Rivers as high as No. 6, and certainly at No. 11. But I'm going with Damien Lillard (Weber State, PG) with the No. 6 pick and I'm not looking back. Don't give me that "Can he play against NBA athletes?" nonsense on Lillard.

Terrence Ross, from Jefferson HS, is projected to be picked between No. 10-18 in Thursday's NBA Draft.

Did you ask that same question about Terry Porter, who played at a Division III school? How about Jerry Rice, who played college football at Mississippi Valley State? If you can play, you can play. I've seen enough of Lillard to answer that question, especially given he drew doubles and had teams in his conference geared specifically to stop him --- and they could not. No question, Lillard can play at the next level. I'd expect natural growing pains in a rookie season, but I don't think he'd be fazed by the big stage. He can get to the rim, is great off ball screens, and I like that he's 6-foot-3.

I know Portland already has Elliott Williams, and Wesley Matthews at the shooting guard, but the 6-foot-7 Ross is not only a home-grown gym rat, but he's a potential All-Star. His game translates seamlessly, and I don't believe Portland is so in love with Matthews and Williams that they'd ignore such an intriguing player with such big upside available at No. 11.

Would they?

Said Brewer, who followed him at Washington: "I'd take him over Austin Rivers, I'd take him over Lamb, Henson, and especially Drummond..."